We recently had the chance to chat with Thomas Fuchs, New York-based owner of Otium and designer, about his signature collection, Otium. Tapping his classical training in the fine arts and his love of furniture and design, Thomas created a line of neo-classical glass lamps, cases and candlesticks for Otium Collection.
GDG: What does 'Otium' mean?
TF: Otium in Latin means 'aristocratic leisure.'
GDG: What was the inspiration or direction behind Otium?
TF: The clearest direction for Otium was to work with the Maestro of Murano, Italy. Although glass is made all over the world, I have yet to see the finesse that comes from the Maestro of Italy. The tradition in 600 years of glass blowing has only been altered by the addition of electricity—otherwise the pieces we create today are produced with the same technical attributes of the same pieces being made in the 17th century.
Glass is magic and being in the furnaces working is even more magical. To have these amazing Maestro willing to put up with this crazy guy from the United States is a gift for which I will be forever grateful.
GDG: How did you get started in the fine arts world?
TF: I have studied art my entire life. I have a degree in Art History and Studio and I went to the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC. I am a member and student of the Art Student League of New York and I have also studied at the Academy of Art & Design, NYC. My last job before starting Otium eight years ago was to be the design director of furniture & decorative art for Donghia.
Check back with GoDesignGo for more about Thomas and his Otium Collection, but in the meantime, you can find Otium at the DDB in the Holland & Sherry showroom, at the PDC in A. Rudin and at the DCOTA at J. Batchelor.
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